Defense gets two turnovers in second spring scrimmage

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn speaks to the team during spring football practice on Saturday, March 4, 2017 in Auburn, Ala.

AUBURN – After leaving Jordan-Hare Stadium with only one turnover in the first spring scrimmage last weekend, players knew they’d be hearing from defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.

The same speech is not likely to be given following the second weekend scrimmage. Auburn’s defense got two turnovers including a touchdown in the 55-play scrimmage Saturday.

Senior-to-be linebacker Tre’ Williams tipped a pass at the line-of-scrimmage and then managed to intercept the football and return for a touchdown. The pass was thrown by Auburn first-team quarterback Jarrett Stidham.

None of the quarterbacks, including Stidham, were made live for contact – which was different than last weekend when freshman Malik Willis and redshirt freshman Woody Barrett were made live against the second-string defense.

“I wanted to see some extended plays for the offense and defense. It’s hard for me to make a call right now. It was a little more defined last week,” Malzahn said. “When they go live, they either do or they don’t.”

Former walk-on linebacker Montavious Atkinson also caused a fumble, which was recovered by walk-on defensive back Devin Guice.

The defense allowed just one touchdown, a run from inside the 10-yard line by walk-on C.J. Tolbert.

“We had a couple takeaways – an interception and a fumble,” Auburn safety Nick Ruffin said following the scrimmage Saturday. “We had a couple tackles for loss. It was a good day for us.”

According to multiple reports from Auburn players, former walk-on defensive back Michael Sherwood was the only player with a turnover in the first spring scrimmage last weekend in Jordan-Hare Stadium. According to interview indications Saturday by Auburn defensive backs Carlton Davis and Javaris Davis, the 107-play scrimmage ended with Sherwood intercepting one of the backup quarterbacks as a member of the second-team defense.

Sherwood has been impressing the coaching staff with his versatility at both cornerback, safety and nickel in the Auburn secondary after the walk-on nicknamed ‘Dirty Mike’ had just three tackles last season.

“Dirty is our utility guy. You can put him at defensive end like Coach Steele was saying before and he’ll adjust,” Ruffin said. “He’ll always play to the best of his abilities. He might not always get it done but he knows every position. It’s a luxury for us that heaven forbid any of us has an issue, Dirty can always come in and play well for us.”